8 Big Batch Cocktails Guaranteed to Delight a Crowd

Because nothing dulls a party faster than getting stuck behind the bar.

Repeat after us: you are the host, not the bartender. But the best way to make sure you don’t get trapped mixing drinks all night is to plan ahead. That’s why we’ve devised a roster of supersized, festive cocktails—ranging from a refreshing Minty Moscow Mule to an icy Hard Cider Slush—designed to fuel your holiday revelry without ever requiring a cocktail shaker, a bar spoon, or a muddler.

1

Extra-Large Rosé Sbagliato

Photo by J Muckle; Styling: Rebekah Peppler

The “Sbagliato” cocktail, whose name means “messed up” in Italian, was supposedly invented when a distracted bartender accidentally added bubbly to a Negroni in place of the usual gin. The drink might have been a mistake, but it’s one we’re all too happy to make—over and over again.

Sazerac Pitchers

Photo by J Muckle; Styling: Rebekah Peppler

The Sazerac, the official tipple of New Orleans, is a historic rye and absinthe-kissed cocktail usually made in single servings. But happily for hosts, it scales up beautifully, too. Serve this potent version at your next bash and let le bon temps roule.

Hard Cider Slush

Photo by J Muckle; Styling: Rebekah Peppler

Part slushie, part serious cocktail, this cider- and bourbon-spiked treat is guaranteed to get even the most self-serious “grown-ups” grinning. Prep the shaved ice the night before and when it comes to party time, all you’ll have to do is scoop and pour.

Kalimotxo

Photo by J Muckle; Styling: Rebekah Peppler

This unconventional Basque country riff on sangria combines dry red wine with cola and a bright shot of fresh lemon juice. Just the right mix of sweet and tart, it makes a surprising (and surprisingly sophisticated) addition to any holiday bar—especially when dressed up with a ruby red maraschino cherry ice ring.

Sidecar Punch

Photo by J Muckle; Styling: Rebekah Peppler

This big batch version of a Prohbition-era classic goes down easy—but be warned: behind that citrus and cognac smoothness, it packs a serious punch. Rimming the serving glasses with sugar takes a few minutes of effort, but adds a wonderful festive edge.

Minty Moscow Mule Punch

Photo by J Muckle; Styling: Rebekah Peppler

While every bit as smooth and refreshing as the classic vodka cocktail that inspired it, this party-sized version of the Moscow Mule adds one upgrade: a subtle, cool, and inviting note of mint. The spicier your ginger beer, the more fire and bite your punch will have—so choose accordingly.

White Negroni Punch

Photo by J Muckle; Styling: Rebekah Peppler

This electric twist on the Negroni swaps a yellow-hued French herbal liqueur, Suze, in place of the traditional, ruby red Campari—but still maintains the cocktail’s signature well-balanced bitterness. If Suze is hard to find in your area, other fortified aperitifs like Cocchi Americano or Lillet Blanc can be used in its place, though with slightly sweeter results.

Beer Punch

Photo by J Muckle; Styling: Rebekah Peppler

Gin, grapefruit, and beer may sound like an odd combo, but get them cozy in a punchbowl and you’ll be surprised at how wonderfully they play together. Indeed, grapefruit lends a juicy note while playing off the hoppy bitterness of the IPA and the herbal botanicals in the gin.

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